at this place. I have seen a letter from you stating that you have no hesitation in saying that it would be conferring a great benefit on the Naval service and the Country by the measure you propose. Funny that those who left England in this ship in the most robust health have had their constitutions ruined, and their services are now useless from the effects of the above loathsome disease contracted at Hong Kong.
You will observe by the Statement of Mr Pickthorne, Surgeon of this ship, the great difference between the numbers placed on the sick list from Syphilis contracted on shore at Macao, where a supervision is exercised over prostitution, and that contracted at this place. I have served my time in the Mediterranean, and I can fully bear out Mr Pickthorne's Statement with regard to the mildness of this disease at Malta, where the same regulations are in force with respect to Prostitutes as at Macao; and I earnestly hope for the good of the service, and the benefit of sailors, that you will obtain the sanction...